Routine exercise is one of the best ways to stay healthy. However, recovery after a strenuous workout is just as important to your wellness journey. Physical fitness relies on a balance between activity and nurturing recovery. Let’s explore ways to enhance your workout recovery naturally this summer.
Oral and Topical Supplementation with CBD
It might be tempting to reach for NSAIDs or lidocaine patches to provide relief for sore and inflamed muscles and joints. While these products provide some relief, they are pharmaceuticals with chemical additives that our bodies don’t necessarily need or want. They can also be hard on your liver and stomach.
An appealing alternative is cannabidiol, also known as CBD. CBD is a natural oil that is extracted from hemp, specifically Cannabis Sativa plants. You might be wondering if this oil has the same psychoactive properties as marijuana. CBD doesn’t contain the high concentrations of THC that recreational or medical marijuana contains. It isn’t intended to get you high.
CBD is available in edible gummies, orally administered tinctures, and topical rubs, creams, and sprays. Ingestible CBD can help with relaxation, restoration, and sleep. Rest is essential for recovery. Topical CBD products are excellent for relieving soreness and inflammation. Using CBD for pain management and recovery is a natural approach to post-workout recuperation.
Hydration
Staying hydrated before, during, and after a workout in summer is crucial to recovery. You naturally lose fluids when you sweat. It makes sense to take breaks and sip on water while working out then drink more after exercising to replenish those lost fluids and to prevent your muscles from cramping. You can also drink an electrolyte-enhanced water or a sports drink. If you do feel your muscles seizing up from dehydration, take a break and hydrate.
Warm Bath Soaks
It may sound uncomfortable to take a warm bath after physical activity in summer. However, a good soaking can relax muscles quickly and calm you down. Adding natural Epsom salts or Dead Sea salts to the water gets electrolytes, such as sodium and magnesium, into your body quickly. Your skin is the largest organ of your body and the perfect vehicle for absorbing those essential minerals and hydration.
Eat Mindfully
Your body requires fuel for energy. A well-balanced diet is very important for overall health. You want to include fresh fruits and vegetables, high-quality protein, unprocessed carbohydrates, and healthy fats in your diet. It is best to stay away from ultra-processed foods with lots of sugar and low-nutrient grains. These foods do not contribute nutritionally to your active body. Some people find a fresh fruit and veggie smoothie to be a good post-workout meal.
Rest
Getting adequate sleep daily is one of the most important components of maintaining your health and recovering from strenuous physical activity. If you have trouble falling asleep, consider trying CBD oil to help you relax. Your body naturally goes into repair mode while you are sleeping.
Listen to your body in the heat of the summer while exercising. If you become dizzy, nauseous, or exhausted, it is time to take a break and rest.